US20070068461A1 - Toileting Device for a Domestic Animal - Google Patents

Toileting Device for a Domestic Animal Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20070068461A1
US20070068461A1 US11/535,379 US53537906A US2007068461A1 US 20070068461 A1 US20070068461 A1 US 20070068461A1 US 53537906 A US53537906 A US 53537906A US 2007068461 A1 US2007068461 A1 US 2007068461A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
projections
drain
toileting device
textured surface
toileting
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/535,379
Inventor
Roger Hill
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
FMFS HOLDINGS Ltd
Original Assignee
FMFS HOLDINGS Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by FMFS HOLDINGS Ltd filed Critical FMFS HOLDINGS Ltd
Assigned to FMFS HOLDINGS LIMITED reassignment FMFS HOLDINGS LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HILL, ROGER BOWDEN, MR.
Publication of US20070068461A1 publication Critical patent/US20070068461A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01KANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/01Removal of dung or urine, e.g. from stables
    • A01K1/0107Cat trays; Dog urinals; Toilets for pets
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01KANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/01Removal of dung or urine, e.g. from stables
    • A01K1/0107Cat trays; Dog urinals; Toilets for pets
    • A01K1/0114Litter boxes with screens for separating excrement from litter

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a toileting device for a domestic animal.
  • Such a device may comprise a tray or litter box with absorbent material such as an absorbent granular material, newspaper or similar absorbent material.
  • absorbent material such as an absorbent granular material, newspaper or similar absorbent material.
  • the granular material, newspaper or absorbent material needs to be continually removed from the tray and replaced with fresh material.
  • a disadvantage of using granular material or similar is the ongoing cost of replacing the material as it is used.
  • WO 88/02596 describes a sanitary device for cats and other small pet animals.
  • a flat screen described as a perforated central member, is supported on the rim of a conventional toilet by supporting members. The animal supports itself on the screen while toileting and waste travels through the screen into the toilet.
  • PCT patent specification WO 2004/071182 describes a pet toileting device.
  • a flat grating is supported by a frame.
  • Within the frame is positioned a pad of sand, newspaper or similar absorbent material that is used to absorb liquid waste.
  • the product described in WO 2004/071182 does not solve the problem of having to continually replace the absorbent material used to collect waste to reduce odour.
  • a toileting device for a domestic pet comprising: a textured surface having a plurality of apertures configured to allow the passage of liquid waste through the textured surface; a liquid collecting structure positioned below the textured surface having a drain and a nadir for guiding the liquid waste to the drain.
  • the textured surface comprises a plurality of spaced apart projections.
  • the upper portions of the projections are generally smooth.
  • the upper edges of the projections are radiused or curved.
  • the lower portions of the projections have relatively sharp edges.
  • the textured surface further comprises elongate ribs connecting adjacent projections in one direction.
  • the textured surface further comprises webs extending between adjacent projections in another direction.
  • the projections are generally rectangular.
  • the projections are generally tear drop shaped.
  • the textured surface further comprises a cover positionable over the projections with a plurality of apertures corresponding to the plurality of projections.
  • the drain comprises a water trap.
  • the drain comprises: an upper plug receivable by the upper tray, the upper plug having a substantially funnel shape, and a lower plug receivable by the upper plug, the lower plug having an annular groove, the funnel and annular groove forming a drain passage when assembled.
  • the drain may be positioned in a substantially central location of the upper tray.
  • the drain may be positioned in a location offset from a central location of the upper tray.
  • the toileting device further comprises an air vent and an air filter.
  • the textured surface is formed from a plastic material.
  • FIG. 1 shows a back view of a preferred embodiment toileting device
  • FIG. 2 shows a side view of the toileting device of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the toileting device of FIG. 1 with liquid passing through the textured surface and the drain passage;
  • FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the toileting device of FIG. 1 with liquid passing through the textured surface and the drain passage;
  • FIG. 5 shows a top view of the upper tray
  • FIG. 6 shows a top view of a first preferred embodiment of the textured surface
  • FIG. 7 shows a detail cross section view of the textured surface of FIG. 6 ;
  • FIG. 8 shows a detail cross section view of the textured surface of FIG. 6 ;
  • FIG. 9 shows a detail view of the top of the textured surface of FIG. 6 ;
  • FIG. 10 shows a top view of the first embodiment s-type drain
  • FIG. 11 shows a side view of the first embodiment s-type drain
  • FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of the first embodiment s-type drain
  • FIG. 13 shows a cross section of the first embodiment s-type drain
  • FIG. 14 shows a detail view of the first embodiment s-type drain installed in the upper tray
  • FIG. 15 shows a detail view of the first embodiment s-type drain installed in the upper tray with liquid passing through the drain passage
  • FIG. 16 shows an exploded cross section of the first embodiment s-type drain
  • FIG. 17 shows a cross section of the second embodiment s-type drain
  • FIG. 18 shows an exploded cross section of the second embodiment s-type drain
  • FIG. 19 shows a front view of the inner trays
  • FIG. 20 shows a side view of the inner trays
  • FIG. 21 shows a top view of the inner trays
  • FIG. 22 shows a cross section of a toileting device with one inner tray
  • FIG. 23 shows a partial plan view of a second preferred embodiment of the textured surface
  • FIG. 24 shows a side view of the textured surface of FIG. 23 ;
  • FIG. 25 shows a partial plan view of the draining surface of the textured surface of FIG. 23 ;
  • FIG. 26 shows a side view of the draining surface of FIG. 25 ;
  • FIG. 27 shows a detail side view of the projections of the draining surface
  • FIG. 28 a partial plan view of the cover of the textured surface of FIG. 23 ;
  • FIG. 29 shows a side view of the cover of FIG. 28 ;
  • FIG. 30 shows a schematic perspective view of the draining surface of FIG. 25 ;
  • FIG. 31 shows a partial plan view of a third preferred embodiment of the textured surface
  • FIG. 32 shows a side view of the textured surface of FIG. 31 ;
  • FIG. 33 shows a partial plan view of the draining surface of the textured surface of FIG. 31 ;
  • FIG. 34 shows a side view of the draining surface of FIG. 33 ;
  • FIG. 35 shows a detail side view of the projections of the draining surface
  • FIG. 36 a partial plan view of the cover of the textured surface of FIG. 31 ;
  • FIG. 37 shows a side view of the cover of FIG. 36 .
  • the toilet device has a textured surface 3 , and a liquid collecting structure.
  • the liquid collecting structure has an upper tray 7 , and a lower tray 9 that houses and supports the upper tray and textured surface.
  • the upper tray supports the textured surface 3 above a drain that includes a water trap, for example an s-type drain 55 .
  • the upper tray 7 has a rectangular base 13 with four side walls 15 .
  • the base of the upper tray is angled from both longitudinal sides to form a nadir 17 offset from the centre of the tray.
  • the side walls support the textured surface above the drain 55 .
  • An aperture 19 is located at the nadir for receiving the s-type drain 55 .
  • the nadir guides liquid to the drain through to the lower tray where liquid waste 21 is collected.
  • the upper tray may have grooves (not shown) to encourage liquid waste towards the nadir 17 .
  • the textured surface 3 is formed as a rectangular plate with rounded corners. At each end of the plate, open ended slots 22 are provided. These slots may be used as handles to remove and replace the textured surface on the upper tray as required.
  • the textured surface is formed with a plurality of apertures 23 to allow the passage of liquid waste through to the upper tray.
  • the apertures 23 are sized to substantially inhibit solid waste passing through to the upper tray, but allow passage of liquid waste.
  • the textured surface has a honeycomb structure formed from a plurality of projections or support lugs.
  • the textured surface has a top surface 29 , bottom surface 31 , and apertures 23 extending from the top surface to the bottom surface.
  • the apertures 23 are evenly spaced along the length and width of the textured surface. Each aperture is square with tapered sides 33 from the top surface through to the lower surface. The sides of the neighbouring apertures form a point 27 on the lower surface of the textured surface. These points encourage any liquid waste to drip from the points down to the upper tray 7 .
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 A cross section of the textured surface showing the tapered apertures, support lugs and points is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 .
  • the textured surface 3 is formed from a plurality of projections or support lugs 25 .
  • FIG. 9 is a detail view of the top of the textured surface showing the support lugs.
  • a support lug is located at the corner of each aperture 23 .
  • each support lug has a substantially semi-spherical head 35 .
  • the head of each support lug is provided with a flat portion 37 at the top.
  • the support lugs have a smooth surface without sharp points or edges.
  • a plurality of ribs 38 are provided on the bottom surface 31 of the textured surface to increase the strength of the textured surface.
  • the support lugs 25 provide areas for a domestic pet to stand that will keep their paws free from the waste collection area.
  • the smoothness of the projections ensures that their paws are not hurt or damaged when in use. It will be appreciated that other shaped projections may be used, provided that the surface has no sharp points or edges.
  • Another function of the textured surface and the projections is to provide a surface to collect solid waste or other material and prevent any solid waste passing through to the trays. The solid waste is removed by the pet's owner and disposed.
  • FIGS. 10 to 16 show a first embodiment of the s-type drain 11 .
  • the first embodiment of the s-type drain is formed as a two piece plug.
  • the drain has an upper plug 41 that is received by the upper tray and a lower plug 43 that is received by the upper plug.
  • FIG. 14 shows a detail view of the s-type drain installed in the upper tray.
  • the interior of the upper plug is funnel shaped 45 and the lower plug has an annular groove 47 .
  • the funnel and annular groove form a drain passage in the shape of an “S” as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 .
  • Any gas or odour is substantially inhibited from leaving the lower tray. This is because the gas is not able to pass over the rim into the groove and into the immediate environment.
  • a vent may be provided to allow air to escape as the lower tray fills with liquid waste.
  • the upper plug of the first embodiment is circular when viewed from above.
  • the upper plug has tapered sides 49 which are adapted to be received in the aperture formed in the upper tray.
  • Four diametrically opposed removal lugs 51 are spaced around the perimeter of the plug.
  • FIGS. 17 and 18 show a second embodiment of the s-type drain 55 .
  • the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, expect that it has a filter and an air vent or outlet 57 .
  • the air vent prevents gas or odour building up in the tray.
  • the air vent is provided with a filter 59 , such as a carbon filter, and a filter cap 61 .
  • the filter removes odour from the air as it passes from the vent into the immediate environment.
  • Other conventional filter materials may be used.
  • FIG. 15 shows a detail view of the first embodiment of the s-type drain installed in the upper tray with liquid passing through the drain passage.
  • the lower tray 9 has two catchment areas, for example two inner trays 63 , 65 .
  • the drain will be positioned or configured so that any liquid waste 21 leaving the drain will flow into the first inner tray 63 and not the second inner tray 65 .
  • the inner trays are placed side by side inside the lower tray.
  • the drain 55 is positioned offset from the centre of the upper tray so that waste will flow into the first inner tray. When this first tray is filled, the upper tray 7 is lifted out, rotated 180° and placed back into the toileting device. In the new position, the drain 55 is located so that waste will flow into the second tray 65 .
  • FIGS. 19-21 show the inner trays 63 , 65 .
  • the trays are blow moulded and have integral covers 67 to prevent liquid waste spilling during removal.
  • the covers have apertures 70 that receive the lower portion of the drain. This ensures that liquid waste enters the trays directly and does not inadvertently spill or drip onto other areas.
  • the drain may be connected to the trays by piping or be spaced above the aperture in the inner tray.
  • Each inner tray is formed with handles 69 to assist in manual removal from the toileting device.
  • the first tray fills up, it will periodically be removed and replaced by the second tray. Rather than rotating the upper tray, the second tray may slide along to replace the first tray. After the first tray has been emptied, it can be replaced into the toileting device into the original position of the second tray.
  • a cross section of a toileting device with one inner tray is shown in FIG. 22 .
  • the inner tray is similar to the first and second trays described above, except for its dimension and location of the aperture 73 that receives the drain 55 .
  • the lower tray may collect the liquid waste directly.
  • the lower tray can be emptied via a drain or by removing the textured surface and upper tray.
  • the lower tray can then be emptied or washed out as required.
  • Absorbent material may be placed on the textured surface. However, the amount of material required is less than that required for conventional toileting devices for domestic animals.
  • the upper tray, lower tray, air vent, textured surface and s-type drain are injection moulded plastic components.
  • the inner trays are blow moulded components.
  • the upper plug, lower plug and air vent are manufactured separately and connected together during assembly.
  • FIG. 16 shows a cross section of the upper and lower plug before they are assembled together.
  • FIGS. 23 to 30 A second embodiment of the textured surface, indicated generally by reference numeral 101 , is shown in FIGS. 23 to 30 .
  • the textured surface of this embodiment has a cover 102 and a draining surface 103 .
  • the draining surface 103 is formed as a generally rectangular plate.
  • the draining surface has a honeycomb or grid structure formed from a plurality of projections 105 that are separated by a plurality of apertures 106 .
  • the projections are spaced evenly along its width and length in rows and columns.
  • a number of elongate ribs 107 extend across the width of the drainage surface, connecting adjacent rows of projections.
  • the projections are connected within the row by webs 108 .
  • each projection 105 has a teardrop shape with a wide, rounded end 109 and a narrower, pointed end 111 .
  • the orientation of the projections alternate along each row.
  • the rounded end 109 of one projection faces the rounded end 109 of a projection on one side and the pointed end 111 faces the pointed end 111 of a projection on the other side.
  • FIGS. 26 and 27 A cross section of the draining surface 103 showing the projections 105 and apertures 106 is shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 .
  • Each projection has a substantially flat or planar head 113 .
  • the projections have a smooth surface without sharp points or edges.
  • the edges 115 have a radius of 0.5 mm. The radiused edges encourage liquid waste to travel from the flat surface of each projection and down the sides 117 of each projection.
  • each projection tapers towards a sharp edge 135 at the lower surface.
  • the surface 121 of the projection corresponding to the wide, rounded end initially extends downwardly in a generally vertical direction 123 to a convex portion 125 , then to a concave portion 127 that ends near the bottom edge of the rib.
  • the edge of the projection corresponding to the pointed end extends downwardly in a generally vertical direction 129 then curves upwards 131 to join to the top edge of the rib 107 .
  • the ribs are positioned between the pointed ends 111 of the projections.
  • Each rib 107 is radiused or curved at the top end 133 and the lower edge 135 is relatively sharp. The sharp edge encourages any liquid waste to drip downwards to the tray below.
  • the height of the ribs 107 is below the height of the projections.
  • the ribs connect adjacent rows and provide strength and rigidity to the structure.
  • Each projection is connected to the adjacent projections in the row by webs 108 extending between the projections.
  • the webs have a concave upper surface and taper towards a sharp lower edge 137 .
  • the lower edge is curved to encourage any liquid to travel towards the sharp edge 135 of the ribs.
  • the toileting device further includes a cover 102 positionable above the draining surface.
  • the cover has a plurality of apertures 141 spaced in rows and columns corresponding to the spacing of the projections 105 .
  • the apertures 141 are sized to substantially inhibit solid waste passing through to the upper tray, but allow passage of liquid waste.
  • Each aperture is shaped generally as shown with two rounded ends 143 corresponding to the wide, rounded ends 109 of the projections 105 . Between the ends, the aperture has a reduced width 145 corresponding to the pointed ends 111 of the projections. Liquid is drawn through the cover 102 and draining surface 103 via capillary action.
  • the cover has a plurality of downwardly projecting ribs 147 extending across its width. When assembled, the ribs engage between the rounded ends of the projections.
  • the cover 102 provides an area for a domestic pet to stand that will keep their paws free fiom the waste collection area.
  • the smoothness of the cover ensures that their paws are not hurt or damaged when in use.
  • FIGS. 30 to 36 A third embodiment of the textured surface, indicated generally by reference numeral 201 , is shown in FIGS. 30 to 36 .
  • This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment with a cover 202 and a draining surface 203 .
  • the features and operation should be considered to be the same as those described above.
  • the third preferred embodiment textured surface differs in that the projections 206 are generally rectangular with radiused or round ends.
  • FIGS. 34 and 35 A cross section of the draining surface showing the projections and apertures is shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 .
  • Each projection has a substantially flat or planar head 213 with radiused edges 215 .
  • the sides 217 of the projections initially extend downwardly in a generally vertical direction 223 , taper inward at an angle 225 relative to the vertical, and then taper at a lesser angle 227 .
  • a number of elongate ribs 207 extend across the width of the drainage surface, connecting adjacent rows of projections.
  • the ribs 207 extend from a central portion 209 of each projection to the adjacent row of projections.
  • Each rib has a diamond-shaped cross section with inclined upper 211 and lower surfaces 213 .
  • the lower surfaces 211 meet at a edge 215 , which encourage liquid to drip down towards the liquid collecting structure.
  • Each projection 205 is connected to the adjacent projections in the row by webs 208 extending between the projections.
  • the webs 208 taper towards a sharp lower edge 235 .
  • the lower edge of the web is curved to encourage any liquid to travel towards the sharp edge of the ribs.
  • the upper surface of each web has two inclined faces that meet at a notch 249 .
  • the toileting device also includes a cover 202 positionable above the draining surface.
  • the cover has a plurality of apertures 241 spaced in rows and columns corresponding to the spacing of the projections 205 .
  • the apertures are sized to substantially inhibit solid waste passing through to the upper tray, but allow passage of liquid waste.
  • Each aperture is substantially rectangular with two rounded ends 243 corresponding to the shape of the projections. Liquid is drawn through the cover and draining surface via capillary action.
  • the cover has a plurality of downwardly projecting ribs 247 extending across its width. When assembled, the ribs engage in notches 249 of the webs.
  • the pattern of apertures in the textured surface may vary.
  • the shape of the apertures, projections, support lugs may vary, for example, they may have circular, oval, or hexangular shapes.
  • the preferred embodiment has been described with two inner trays. However, it will be appreciated that there may be more or less inner trays, for example, one or four. In these alternatives, the location of the nadir and drain and shape of the upper tray may be altered to accommodate the number of inner trays.

Abstract

A toileting device for a domestic animal. The toileting device comprises a textured surface and a liquid collecting structure. The textured surface has a plurality of apertures configured to allow the passage of liquid waste through the textured surface. The liquid collecting structure is positioned below the textured surface and has a drain and a nadir for guiding liquid waste to the drain.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
  • This application claims foreign priority to New Zealand Patent Application Serial Number: 542641 filed Sep. 27, 2005. The entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.
  • BACKGROUND
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • This invention relates to a toileting device for a domestic animal.
  • 2. Description of the Related Art
  • Domestic animals or pets, such as cats, often live indoors or spend a lot of time indoors. A cat often requires access to a device for toileting indoors. Such a device may comprise a tray or litter box with absorbent material such as an absorbent granular material, newspaper or similar absorbent material. The granular material, newspaper or absorbent material needs to be continually removed from the tray and replaced with fresh material. A disadvantage of using granular material or similar is the ongoing cost of replacing the material as it is used.
  • It is known to provide a screen over a toilet bowl for use by a domestic animal. For example, WO 88/02596 describes a sanitary device for cats and other small pet animals. A flat screen, described as a perforated central member, is supported on the rim of a conventional toilet by supporting members. The animal supports itself on the screen while toileting and waste travels through the screen into the toilet.
  • The main disadvantage of the product described in WO 88/02596 is that it must be assembled and disassembled whenever a pet wishes to use the device. This would have the disadvantage that a pet may wish to relieve itself at a time that is inconvenient or unsuitable to the owner or perhaps the pet is unable to communicate the desire to relieve itself to the owner. Furthermore, there would be a problem when a human wishes to use the toilet that the user must remove the screen and place the screen somewhere in the bathroom leading to possible hygiene problems.
  • PCT patent specification WO 2004/071182 describes a pet toileting device. A flat grating is supported by a frame. Within the frame is positioned a pad of sand, newspaper or similar absorbent material that is used to absorb liquid waste. The product described in WO 2004/071182 does not solve the problem of having to continually replace the absorbent material used to collect waste to reduce odour.
  • In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other docurnents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.
  • SUMMARY
  • In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toileting device for a domestic pet, comprising: a textured surface having a plurality of apertures configured to allow the passage of liquid waste through the textured surface; a liquid collecting structure positioned below the textured surface having a drain and a nadir for guiding the liquid waste to the drain.
  • As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.
  • Preferably, the textured surface comprises a plurality of spaced apart projections.
  • Preferably, the upper portions of the projections are generally smooth.
  • Preferably, the upper edges of the projections are radiused or curved.
  • Preferably, the lower portions of the projections have relatively sharp edges.
  • Preferably, the textured surface further comprises elongate ribs connecting adjacent projections in one direction.
  • Preferably, the textured surface further comprises webs extending between adjacent projections in another direction.
  • Preferably, in plan view the projections are generally rectangular. Alternatively, in plan view the projections are generally tear drop shaped.
  • Preferably, the textured surface further comprises a cover positionable over the projections with a plurality of apertures corresponding to the plurality of projections.
  • Preferably, the drain comprises a water trap.
  • Preferably, the drain comprises: an upper plug receivable by the upper tray, the upper plug having a substantially funnel shape, and a lower plug receivable by the upper plug, the lower plug having an annular groove, the funnel and annular groove forming a drain passage when assembled.
  • Preferably, the drain may be positioned in a substantially central location of the upper tray. Alternatively, the drain may be positioned in a location offset from a central location of the upper tray.
  • In a preferred embodiment, the toileting device further comprises an air vent and an air filter.
  • Preferably, the textured surface is formed from a plastic material.
  • To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.
  • The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 shows a back view of a preferred embodiment toileting device;
  • FIG. 2 shows a side view of the toileting device of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the toileting device of FIG. 1 with liquid passing through the textured surface and the drain passage;
  • FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the toileting device of FIG. 1 with liquid passing through the textured surface and the drain passage;
  • FIG. 5 shows a top view of the upper tray;
  • FIG. 6 shows a top view of a first preferred embodiment of the textured surface;
  • FIG. 7 shows a detail cross section view of the textured surface of FIG. 6;
  • FIG. 8 shows a detail cross section view of the textured surface of FIG. 6;
  • FIG. 9 shows a detail view of the top of the textured surface of FIG. 6;
  • FIG. 10 shows a top view of the first embodiment s-type drain;
  • FIG. 11 shows a side view of the first embodiment s-type drain;
  • FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of the first embodiment s-type drain;
  • FIG. 13 shows a cross section of the first embodiment s-type drain;
  • FIG. 14 shows a detail view of the first embodiment s-type drain installed in the upper tray;
  • FIG. 15 shows a detail view of the first embodiment s-type drain installed in the upper tray with liquid passing through the drain passage;
  • FIG. 16 shows an exploded cross section of the first embodiment s-type drain;
  • FIG. 17 shows a cross section of the second embodiment s-type drain;
  • FIG. 18 shows an exploded cross section of the second embodiment s-type drain;
  • FIG. 19 shows a front view of the inner trays;
  • FIG. 20 shows a side view of the inner trays;
  • FIG. 21 shows a top view of the inner trays;
  • FIG. 22 shows a cross section of a toileting device with one inner tray;
  • FIG. 23 shows a partial plan view of a second preferred embodiment of the textured surface;
  • FIG. 24 shows a side view of the textured surface of FIG. 23;
  • FIG. 25 shows a partial plan view of the draining surface of the textured surface of FIG. 23;
  • FIG. 26 shows a side view of the draining surface of FIG. 25;
  • FIG. 27 shows a detail side view of the projections of the draining surface;
  • FIG. 28 a partial plan view of the cover of the textured surface of FIG. 23;
  • FIG. 29 shows a side view of the cover of FIG. 28;
  • FIG. 30 shows a schematic perspective view of the draining surface of FIG. 25;
  • FIG. 31 shows a partial plan view of a third preferred embodiment of the textured surface;
  • FIG. 32 shows a side view of the textured surface of FIG. 31;
  • FIG. 33 shows a partial plan view of the draining surface of the textured surface of FIG. 31;
  • FIG. 34 shows a side view of the draining surface of FIG. 33;
  • FIG. 35 shows a detail side view of the projections of the draining surface;
  • FIG. 36 a partial plan view of the cover of the textured surface of FIG. 31; and
  • FIG. 37 shows a side view of the cover of FIG. 36.
  • DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
  • Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, there is shown a first preferred toileting device indicated generally by reference numeral 1. The toilet device has a textured surface 3, and a liquid collecting structure. The liquid collecting structure has an upper tray 7, and a lower tray 9 that houses and supports the upper tray and textured surface. The upper tray supports the textured surface 3 above a drain that includes a water trap, for example an s-type drain 55.
  • The upper tray 7, as shown in FIG. 5, has a rectangular base 13 with four side walls 15. The base of the upper tray is angled from both longitudinal sides to form a nadir 17 offset from the centre of the tray. The side walls support the textured surface above the drain 55. An aperture 19 is located at the nadir for receiving the s-type drain 55. The nadir guides liquid to the drain through to the lower tray where liquid waste 21 is collected. The upper tray may have grooves (not shown) to encourage liquid waste towards the nadir 17.
  • Referring to FIG. 6, the textured surface 3 is formed as a rectangular plate with rounded corners. At each end of the plate, open ended slots 22 are provided. These slots may be used as handles to remove and replace the textured surface on the upper tray as required. The textured surface is formed with a plurality of apertures 23 to allow the passage of liquid waste through to the upper tray. The apertures 23 are sized to substantially inhibit solid waste passing through to the upper tray, but allow passage of liquid waste.
  • The textured surface has a honeycomb structure formed from a plurality of projections or support lugs. The textured surface has a top surface 29, bottom surface 31, and apertures 23 extending from the top surface to the bottom surface.
  • The apertures 23 are evenly spaced along the length and width of the textured surface. Each aperture is square with tapered sides 33 from the top surface through to the lower surface. The sides of the neighbouring apertures form a point 27 on the lower surface of the textured surface. These points encourage any liquid waste to drip from the points down to the upper tray 7.
  • A cross section of the textured surface showing the tapered apertures, support lugs and points is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.
  • The textured surface 3 is formed from a plurality of projections or support lugs 25. FIG. 9 is a detail view of the top of the textured surface showing the support lugs. A support lug is located at the corner of each aperture 23. As shown in FIG. 8, each support lug has a substantially semi-spherical head 35. The head of each support lug is provided with a flat portion 37 at the top. The support lugs have a smooth surface without sharp points or edges. As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of ribs 38 are provided on the bottom surface 31 of the textured surface to increase the strength of the textured surface.
  • The support lugs 25 provide areas for a domestic pet to stand that will keep their paws free from the waste collection area. The smoothness of the projections ensures that their paws are not hurt or damaged when in use. It will be appreciated that other shaped projections may be used, provided that the surface has no sharp points or edges.
  • Another function of the textured surface and the projections is to provide a surface to collect solid waste or other material and prevent any solid waste passing through to the trays. The solid waste is removed by the pet's owner and disposed.
  • FIGS. 10 to 16 show a first embodiment of the s-type drain 11. The first embodiment of the s-type drain is formed as a two piece plug. The drain has an upper plug 41 that is received by the upper tray and a lower plug 43 that is received by the upper plug. FIG. 14 shows a detail view of the s-type drain installed in the upper tray.
  • The interior of the upper plug is funnel shaped 45 and the lower plug has an annular groove 47. When assembled the funnel and annular groove form a drain passage in the shape of an “S” as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15. Any gas or odour is substantially inhibited from leaving the lower tray. This is because the gas is not able to pass over the rim into the groove and into the immediate environment. A vent may be provided to allow air to escape as the lower tray fills with liquid waste.
  • The upper plug of the first embodiment is circular when viewed from above. The upper plug has tapered sides 49 which are adapted to be received in the aperture formed in the upper tray. Four diametrically opposed removal lugs 51 are spaced around the perimeter of the plug.
  • FIGS. 17 and 18 show a second embodiment of the s-type drain 55. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, expect that it has a filter and an air vent or outlet 57. The air vent prevents gas or odour building up in the tray. The air vent is provided with a filter 59, such as a carbon filter, and a filter cap 61. The filter removes odour from the air as it passes from the vent into the immediate environment. Other conventional filter materials may be used.
  • The drain passage allows liquid waste to pass through the channel into the groove and flow over the rim, into the lower tray or an inner tray. FIG. 15 shows a detail view of the first embodiment of the s-type drain installed in the upper tray with liquid passing through the drain passage.
  • After use, a portion of liquid waste 21 remains in the groove of the drain. This remaining waste can be flushed through to the lower tray by pouring water through the textured surface into the toileting device. The water will flow through the drain and flush the remaining waste into the lower tray. Waste may also remain in other areas such as the textured surface or the upper tray. The cleaning action will flush any remaining waste through to the lower tray collection area.
  • In the preferred embodiment, the lower tray 9 has two catchment areas, for example two inner trays 63, 65. The drain will be positioned or configured so that any liquid waste 21 leaving the drain will flow into the first inner tray 63 and not the second inner tray 65. In the embodiment shown, the inner trays are placed side by side inside the lower tray. The drain 55 is positioned offset from the centre of the upper tray so that waste will flow into the first inner tray. When this first tray is filled, the upper tray 7 is lifted out, rotated 180° and placed back into the toileting device. In the new position, the drain 55 is located so that waste will flow into the second tray 65.
  • FIGS. 19-21 show the inner trays 63, 65. In the embodiment shown, the trays are blow moulded and have integral covers 67 to prevent liquid waste spilling during removal. The covers have apertures 70 that receive the lower portion of the drain. This ensures that liquid waste enters the trays directly and does not inadvertently spill or drip onto other areas. Alternatively, the drain may be connected to the trays by piping or be spaced above the aperture in the inner tray. Each inner tray is formed with handles 69 to assist in manual removal from the toileting device.
  • In an alternative embodiment, as the first tray fills up, it will periodically be removed and replaced by the second tray. Rather than rotating the upper tray, the second tray may slide along to replace the first tray. After the first tray has been emptied, it can be replaced into the toileting device into the original position of the second tray.
  • In another embodiment, there may be one inner tray 71 only. A cross section of a toileting device with one inner tray is shown in FIG. 22. In this embodiment, the inner tray is similar to the first and second trays described above, except for its dimension and location of the aperture 73 that receives the drain 55.
  • Alternatively, the lower tray may collect the liquid waste directly. The lower tray can be emptied via a drain or by removing the textured surface and upper tray. The lower tray can then be emptied or washed out as required.
  • Absorbent material may be placed on the textured surface. However, the amount of material required is less than that required for conventional toileting devices for domestic animals.
  • The upper tray, lower tray, air vent, textured surface and s-type drain are injection moulded plastic components. The inner trays are blow moulded components. The upper plug, lower plug and air vent are manufactured separately and connected together during assembly. FIG. 16 shows a cross section of the upper and lower plug before they are assembled together.
  • A second embodiment of the textured surface, indicated generally by reference numeral 101, is shown in FIGS. 23 to 30. The textured surface of this embodiment has a cover 102 and a draining surface 103.
  • Referring to FIG. 23, the draining surface 103 is formed as a generally rectangular plate. The draining surface has a honeycomb or grid structure formed from a plurality of projections 105 that are separated by a plurality of apertures 106. The projections are spaced evenly along its width and length in rows and columns. A number of elongate ribs 107 extend across the width of the drainage surface, connecting adjacent rows of projections. The projections are connected within the row by webs 108.
  • In plan view, each projection 105 has a teardrop shape with a wide, rounded end 109 and a narrower, pointed end 111. The orientation of the projections alternate along each row. The rounded end 109 of one projection faces the rounded end 109 of a projection on one side and the pointed end 111 faces the pointed end 111 of a projection on the other side.
  • A cross section of the draining surface 103 showing the projections 105 and apertures 106 is shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. Each projection has a substantially flat or planar head 113. The projections have a smooth surface without sharp points or edges. In the preferred embodiment, the edges 115 have a radius of 0.5 mm. The radiused edges encourage liquid waste to travel from the flat surface of each projection and down the sides 117 of each projection.
  • When viewed from the front, the teardrop shape of each projection tapers towards a sharp edge 135 at the lower surface. The surface 121 of the projection corresponding to the wide, rounded end initially extends downwardly in a generally vertical direction 123 to a convex portion 125, then to a concave portion 127 that ends near the bottom edge of the rib. The edge of the projection corresponding to the pointed end extends downwardly in a generally vertical direction 129 then curves upwards 131 to join to the top edge of the rib 107.
  • In the embodiment shown, the ribs are positioned between the pointed ends 111 of the projections. Each rib 107 is radiused or curved at the top end 133 and the lower edge 135 is relatively sharp. The sharp edge encourages any liquid waste to drip downwards to the tray below. The height of the ribs 107 is below the height of the projections. The ribs connect adjacent rows and provide strength and rigidity to the structure.
  • Each projection is connected to the adjacent projections in the row by webs 108 extending between the projections. The webs have a concave upper surface and taper towards a sharp lower edge 137. The lower edge is curved to encourage any liquid to travel towards the sharp edge 135 of the ribs.
  • In this embodiment, the toileting device further includes a cover 102 positionable above the draining surface. The cover has a plurality of apertures 141 spaced in rows and columns corresponding to the spacing of the projections 105. The apertures 141 are sized to substantially inhibit solid waste passing through to the upper tray, but allow passage of liquid waste.
  • Each aperture is shaped generally as shown with two rounded ends 143 corresponding to the wide, rounded ends 109 of the projections 105. Between the ends, the aperture has a reduced width 145 corresponding to the pointed ends 111 of the projections. Liquid is drawn through the cover 102 and draining surface 103 via capillary action.
  • The cover has a plurality of downwardly projecting ribs 147 extending across its width. When assembled, the ribs engage between the rounded ends of the projections.
  • The cover 102 provides an area for a domestic pet to stand that will keep their paws free fiom the waste collection area. The smoothness of the cover ensures that their paws are not hurt or damaged when in use.
  • A third embodiment of the textured surface, indicated generally by reference numeral 201, is shown in FIGS. 30 to 36. This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment with a cover 202 and a draining surface 203. Unless described below, the features and operation should be considered to be the same as those described above.
  • The third preferred embodiment textured surface differs in that the projections 206 are generally rectangular with radiused or round ends.
  • A cross section of the draining surface showing the projections and apertures is shown in FIGS. 34 and 35. Each projection has a substantially flat or planar head 213 with radiused edges 215. When viewed from the front, the sides 217 of the projections initially extend downwardly in a generally vertical direction 223, taper inward at an angle 225 relative to the vertical, and then taper at a lesser angle 227.
  • A number of elongate ribs 207 extend across the width of the drainage surface, connecting adjacent rows of projections. The ribs 207 extend from a central portion 209 of each projection to the adjacent row of projections. Each rib has a diamond-shaped cross section with inclined upper 211 and lower surfaces 213. The lower surfaces 211 meet at a edge 215, which encourage liquid to drip down towards the liquid collecting structure.
  • Each projection 205 is connected to the adjacent projections in the row by webs 208 extending between the projections. As for the second embodiment, the webs 208 taper towards a sharp lower edge 235. The lower edge of the web is curved to encourage any liquid to travel towards the sharp edge of the ribs. The upper surface of each web has two inclined faces that meet at a notch 249.
  • In this embodiment, the toileting device also includes a cover 202 positionable above the draining surface. The cover has a plurality of apertures 241 spaced in rows and columns corresponding to the spacing of the projections 205. The apertures are sized to substantially inhibit solid waste passing through to the upper tray, but allow passage of liquid waste. Each aperture is substantially rectangular with two rounded ends 243 corresponding to the shape of the projections. Liquid is drawn through the cover and draining surface via capillary action.
  • The cover has a plurality of downwardly projecting ribs 247 extending across its width. When assembled, the ribs engage in notches 249 of the webs.
  • Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example only and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • For example, the pattern of apertures in the textured surface may vary. Further, the shape of the apertures, projections, support lugs may vary, for example, they may have circular, oval, or hexangular shapes.
  • The preferred embodiment has been described with two inner trays. However, it will be appreciated that there may be more or less inner trays, for example, one or four. In these alternatives, the location of the nadir and drain and shape of the upper tray may be altered to accommodate the number of inner trays.
  • While the invention has been disclosed in connection with certain preferred embodiments, this should not be taken as a limitation to all of the provided details. Modifications and variations of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and other embodiments should be understood to be encompassed in the present disclosure as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims (16)

1. A toileting device for a domestic animal, comprising:
a textured surface having a plurality of apertures configured to allow the passage of liquid waste through the textured surface;
a liquid collecting structure positioned below the textured surface having a drain and a nadir for guiding the liquid waste to the drain.
2. A toileting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the textured surface comprises a plurality of spaced apart projections.
3. A toileting device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the upper portion of the projections are generally smooth.
4. A toileting device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the upper edges of the projections are radiused or curved.
5. A toileting device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the lower portions of the projections have relatively sharp edges.
6. A toileting device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising elongate ribs connecting adjacent projections in one direction.
7. A toileting device as claimed in claim 5, further comprising webs extending between adjacent projections in another direction.
8. A toileting device as claimed in claim 2, wherein in plan view the projections are generally rectangular.
9. A toileting device as claimed in claim 2, wherein in plan view the projections are generally tear drop shaped.
10. A toileting device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a cover with a plurality of apertures configured to allow the passage of liquid waste through the cover to the textured surface.
11. A toileting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquid collecting structure comprises:
an upper tray; and
a lower tray separated from the upper tray by the drain.
12. A toileting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drain comprises a water trap.
13. A toileting device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the drain comprises:
an upper plug receivable by the upper tray, the upper plug having a substantially funnel shape, and a lower plug receivable by the upper plug, the lower plug having an annular groove,
the funnel and annular groove forming a drain passage when assembled.
14. A toileting device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the drain is positioned in a substantially central location of the upper tray.
15. A toileting device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the drain is positioned in a location offset from a central location of the upper tray.
16. A toileting device as claimed in claim 11, further comprising an air vent and an air filter.
US11/535,379 2005-09-27 2006-09-26 Toileting Device for a Domestic Animal Abandoned US20070068461A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ542641 2005-09-27
NZ542641A NZ542641A (en) 2005-09-27 2005-09-27 Toileting device for a domestic animal

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20070068461A1 true US20070068461A1 (en) 2007-03-29

Family

ID=37907161

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/535,379 Abandoned US20070068461A1 (en) 2005-09-27 2006-09-26 Toileting Device for a Domestic Animal

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20070068461A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2006222685A1 (en)
NZ (1) NZ542641A (en)

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090000558A1 (en) * 2007-06-29 2009-01-01 Uni-Charm Petcare Corporation Animal litter box
JP2009136273A (en) * 2007-11-12 2009-06-25 Iris Ohyama Inc Drain-board
US20090178622A1 (en) * 2008-01-10 2009-07-16 Mikael Havluciyan Pet Potty
WO2010024845A1 (en) * 2008-08-28 2010-03-04 Walt Maguire Litter box having support elements which support litter above a floor having a drain located therein
US20100132623A1 (en) * 2008-08-21 2010-06-03 Gabriel George S Filter top assembly
WO2010081183A1 (en) * 2009-01-15 2010-07-22 Johann Wilflingseder Pet litter box
US20100258056A1 (en) * 2009-04-09 2010-10-14 Hong Kee Seon Gizmo comfort station
US20130098301A1 (en) * 2010-06-25 2013-04-25 Uni-Charm Corporation Liquid-permeable panel
US20130098302A1 (en) * 2010-06-25 2013-04-25 Uni-Charm Corporation Liquid-permeable panel
US20130228133A1 (en) * 2008-11-18 2013-09-05 Brandon Kennington Animal toilet
CN105283070A (en) * 2013-06-12 2016-01-27 尤妮佳股份有限公司 Animal excrement-processing material package and animal excrement-processing material container
JP2017029063A (en) * 2015-07-31 2017-02-09 ユニ・チャーム株式会社 Animal toilet
BE1024569B1 (en) * 2017-02-15 2018-04-11 EEJE gewone commanditaire vennootschap DOG TOILET
US20180192610A1 (en) * 2017-01-12 2018-07-12 Luuup Inc. Pet litter tray, box, and system
US20200229392A1 (en) * 2017-11-10 2020-07-23 Unicharm Corporation Animal litter box
US11272683B2 (en) * 2016-12-08 2022-03-15 Fabio Gaspar De Carvalho Arrangement for a puppy lavatory with discharge connected to the drain
US11297795B2 (en) * 2019-01-08 2022-04-12 Labounty Larry Richard Cat waste management system
JP7054279B1 (en) 2021-09-28 2022-04-13 株式会社トレッタキャッツ Animal toilet
USD1002128S1 (en) * 2021-10-07 2023-10-17 Peck Rock Associates, Inc. Litter box

Citations (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2269522A (en) * 1940-06-17 1942-01-13 Scullin Steel Co Highway grating
US3818865A (en) * 1972-11-21 1974-06-25 S Sinclair Animal commode
US4325326A (en) * 1979-02-20 1982-04-20 Reinhard Schierenbeck Cast grate, especially for pig stables
US4326481A (en) * 1980-11-03 1982-04-27 Gruss John E Urine collection procedure for cats and apparatus therefor
US4440193A (en) * 1981-11-23 1984-04-03 Cummins Engine Company, Inc. Valve assembly
US4630569A (en) * 1985-05-02 1986-12-23 Dieleman Lawrence A Self-cleaning birdbath apparatus
US4649578A (en) * 1986-03-10 1987-03-17 Vargo Steve P Kitty box
US4730576A (en) * 1985-04-27 1988-03-15 Kenji Yoshikawa Small animal washing and drying apparatus
US5184574A (en) * 1990-12-20 1993-02-09 Kirk Robert C Cat litter box
US5355837A (en) * 1993-09-21 1994-10-18 Reyes Richard B Canine trainer and toilet station
US5758462A (en) * 1996-04-12 1998-06-02 Bedminster Bioconversion Corp. Air floor grating system
US5862779A (en) * 1995-12-18 1999-01-26 Crystal Spring Colony Farms Ltd. Flooring apparatus for an animal pen
US6293229B1 (en) * 2000-04-18 2001-09-25 Edstrom Industries, Inc. Cage flood prevention system
US6341579B1 (en) * 1998-05-07 2002-01-29 William E. Alkire Litter box filter system
US6408790B1 (en) * 2000-04-13 2002-06-25 Sara Barbara Maguire Animal litter box
US6523495B1 (en) * 2001-09-18 2003-02-25 Gaye A. Rydman Cat litter box apparatus
US20050115513A1 (en) * 2002-08-05 2005-06-02 Bauman Raymond J. Kennel system
US6994054B2 (en) * 2003-06-20 2006-02-07 Uni-Charm Petcare Corporation Animal litter box
US20060102096A1 (en) * 2004-10-21 2006-05-18 Weolyeam Cho Pet bathing apparatus

Patent Citations (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2269522A (en) * 1940-06-17 1942-01-13 Scullin Steel Co Highway grating
US3818865A (en) * 1972-11-21 1974-06-25 S Sinclair Animal commode
US4325326A (en) * 1979-02-20 1982-04-20 Reinhard Schierenbeck Cast grate, especially for pig stables
US4326481A (en) * 1980-11-03 1982-04-27 Gruss John E Urine collection procedure for cats and apparatus therefor
US4440193A (en) * 1981-11-23 1984-04-03 Cummins Engine Company, Inc. Valve assembly
US4730576A (en) * 1985-04-27 1988-03-15 Kenji Yoshikawa Small animal washing and drying apparatus
US4630569A (en) * 1985-05-02 1986-12-23 Dieleman Lawrence A Self-cleaning birdbath apparatus
US4649578A (en) * 1986-03-10 1987-03-17 Vargo Steve P Kitty box
US5184574A (en) * 1990-12-20 1993-02-09 Kirk Robert C Cat litter box
US5355837A (en) * 1993-09-21 1994-10-18 Reyes Richard B Canine trainer and toilet station
US5862779A (en) * 1995-12-18 1999-01-26 Crystal Spring Colony Farms Ltd. Flooring apparatus for an animal pen
US5758462A (en) * 1996-04-12 1998-06-02 Bedminster Bioconversion Corp. Air floor grating system
US6341579B1 (en) * 1998-05-07 2002-01-29 William E. Alkire Litter box filter system
US6408790B1 (en) * 2000-04-13 2002-06-25 Sara Barbara Maguire Animal litter box
US6293229B1 (en) * 2000-04-18 2001-09-25 Edstrom Industries, Inc. Cage flood prevention system
US6523495B1 (en) * 2001-09-18 2003-02-25 Gaye A. Rydman Cat litter box apparatus
US20050115513A1 (en) * 2002-08-05 2005-06-02 Bauman Raymond J. Kennel system
US6994054B2 (en) * 2003-06-20 2006-02-07 Uni-Charm Petcare Corporation Animal litter box
US20060102096A1 (en) * 2004-10-21 2006-05-18 Weolyeam Cho Pet bathing apparatus

Cited By (34)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090000558A1 (en) * 2007-06-29 2009-01-01 Uni-Charm Petcare Corporation Animal litter box
US8327802B2 (en) * 2007-06-29 2012-12-11 Uni-Charm Corporation Animal litter box
JP2009136273A (en) * 2007-11-12 2009-06-25 Iris Ohyama Inc Drain-board
US20090178622A1 (en) * 2008-01-10 2009-07-16 Mikael Havluciyan Pet Potty
US8151733B2 (en) * 2008-08-21 2012-04-10 Lab Products, Inc. Filter top assembly
US20100132623A1 (en) * 2008-08-21 2010-06-03 Gabriel George S Filter top assembly
WO2010024845A1 (en) * 2008-08-28 2010-03-04 Walt Maguire Litter box having support elements which support litter above a floor having a drain located therein
US20100050951A1 (en) * 2008-08-28 2010-03-04 Sara Maguire Litter box having support elements which support litter above a floor having a drain located therein
US8887667B2 (en) * 2008-08-28 2014-11-18 Sara Maguire Litter box having support elements which support litter above a floor having a drain located therein
US8863693B2 (en) * 2008-11-18 2014-10-21 Brandon Kennington Animal toilet
US20130228133A1 (en) * 2008-11-18 2013-09-05 Brandon Kennington Animal toilet
WO2010081183A1 (en) * 2009-01-15 2010-07-22 Johann Wilflingseder Pet litter box
US20100258056A1 (en) * 2009-04-09 2010-10-14 Hong Kee Seon Gizmo comfort station
US9107382B2 (en) * 2010-06-25 2015-08-18 Uni-Charm Corporation Liquid-permeable panel
US20130098302A1 (en) * 2010-06-25 2013-04-25 Uni-Charm Corporation Liquid-permeable panel
US9107381B2 (en) * 2010-06-25 2015-08-18 Uni-Charm Liquid-permeable panel
US20130098301A1 (en) * 2010-06-25 2013-04-25 Uni-Charm Corporation Liquid-permeable panel
CN105283070A (en) * 2013-06-12 2016-01-27 尤妮佳股份有限公司 Animal excrement-processing material package and animal excrement-processing material container
EP3008992A4 (en) * 2013-06-12 2016-04-20 Uni Charm Corp Animal excrement-processing material package and animal excrement-processing material container
US20180220619A1 (en) * 2015-07-31 2018-08-09 Unicharm Corporation Toilet for animal
AU2016302116B2 (en) * 2015-07-31 2020-11-26 Unicharm Corporation Toilet for animals
CN107846867A (en) * 2015-07-31 2018-03-27 尤妮佳股份有限公司 Animal closet
US11032998B2 (en) * 2015-07-31 2021-06-15 Unicharm Corporation Toilet for animal
EP3329769A4 (en) * 2015-07-31 2018-08-08 Unicharm Corporation Toilet for animals
JP2017029063A (en) * 2015-07-31 2017-02-09 ユニ・チャーム株式会社 Animal toilet
US11272683B2 (en) * 2016-12-08 2022-03-15 Fabio Gaspar De Carvalho Arrangement for a puppy lavatory with discharge connected to the drain
US10159215B2 (en) * 2017-01-12 2018-12-25 Luuup Inc. Pet litter tray, box, and system
US20180192610A1 (en) * 2017-01-12 2018-07-12 Luuup Inc. Pet litter tray, box, and system
BE1024569B1 (en) * 2017-02-15 2018-04-11 EEJE gewone commanditaire vennootschap DOG TOILET
US20200229392A1 (en) * 2017-11-10 2020-07-23 Unicharm Corporation Animal litter box
US11297795B2 (en) * 2019-01-08 2022-04-12 Labounty Larry Richard Cat waste management system
JP7054279B1 (en) 2021-09-28 2022-04-13 株式会社トレッタキャッツ Animal toilet
JP2023048819A (en) * 2021-09-28 2023-04-07 株式会社トレッタキャッツ Toilet for animal
USD1002128S1 (en) * 2021-10-07 2023-10-17 Peck Rock Associates, Inc. Litter box

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2006222685A1 (en) 2007-04-19
NZ542641A (en) 2008-06-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20070068461A1 (en) Toileting Device for a Domestic Animal
US5355837A (en) Canine trainer and toilet station
US20130298840A1 (en) Pet urinal
EP1719405B1 (en) Animal litter box
EP1879446B1 (en) Animal toileting system and method
US8516975B2 (en) Pet feeding system and method for collecting spilled food and water
US8776726B2 (en) Portable pet urine reservoir
US7584717B2 (en) Portable toilet
US3827401A (en) Sanitary receptacle for pets
US20060037548A1 (en) Litter-free pet waste collection system
KR200311648Y1 (en) Toilet for pet
US11044886B2 (en) Cat litter box mat
US20100275853A1 (en) Pet Litter Receptacle
EP1274298B1 (en) Small animal litter tray
US11116177B2 (en) Cat litter box mat
KR200404340Y1 (en) A pot for pet dog
WO2008089011A2 (en) Waste receptacle
US11297795B2 (en) Cat waste management system
KR200371785Y1 (en) pat toilet
JP7054279B1 (en) Animal toilet
KR20220131044A (en) Excrement prop for use at drain
JPH01144911A (en) Closet for pet animal
KR20240025412A (en) Toilet For Pet
AU2006200718B2 (en) Animal toilet
JP2002101781A (en) Pet excreta treatment device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: FMFS HOLDINGS LIMITED, NEW ZEALAND

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HILL, ROGER BOWDEN, MR.;REEL/FRAME:018361/0033

Effective date: 20050628

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION